It will be advantageous to have gained some experience of working in a relevant environment before applying for a place on a course or job vacancy. You should always check with the course provider or employer to see what sort of experience is preferred or required.

a mature, calm, confident but sympathetic approach to achieve the best outcome for each patient as some may be very anxious about the procedures and will need reassurance from you

to be confident with technology, systems and processes

an interest in science and technology, a good academic background and an ability to update and test your knowledge against experience

meticulous attention to detail to produce highly accurate work even when under pressure

good interpersonal skills as you may have direct contact with patients and must respect their privacy, be sympathetic and have a friendly and professional attitude towards them

to be able to work as part of a team.

If you work in a role with responsibility for resources (such as staff, budgets or equipment) you'll need excellent leadership skills and be able to use your initiative within the remit of your job role.

If you're applying for a healthcare science role or training position either directly in the NHS or in an organisation that provides NHS services you'll be asked to show how you think the NHS values apply in your everyday work.